John J. Rice
San Diego, CA
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving San Diego.
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John J. Rice is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
- Based in
- San Diego, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from San Diego, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).
About John J. Rice: John J. Rice is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Areas of practice
Practice focus
John J. Rice represents clients in San Diego, California across the following areas of law. Each area links to other verified attorneys with the same focus.
Biography
About John J. Rice
John Rice, a former federal prosecutor, represents both individuals and corporations in a wide range of complex white collar matters, including SEC enforcement actions, anti-money laundering and bank secrecy act compliance matters, and foreign corrupt practices act investigations.
Mr. Rice is an experienced litigator who has tried numerous cases to verdict, including dozens of federal jury trials, and argued cases before federal appellate courts. His practice focuses on white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations and complex civil litigation.
Before entering private practice, Mr. Rice spent more than 15 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, most recently as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California specializing in public corruption cases. In addition to his work in the Southern District of California, he served in the organized crime and terrorism section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and served as branch chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern Mariana Islands. He has received numerous awards from various federal law enforcement organizations during his career.
Mr. Rice served a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Judith N. Keep, of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from 1987 to 1988.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
- Represented executive in Anti-Money Laundering/Bank Secrecy Act investigation which led to declination of charges
- Represented accountant in tax and currency structuring investigation
- Represented financial professional in insider trading matter including trial
- Represented doctors in Medicare and anti-kickback enforcement matters
- Represented numerous individuals in SEC enforcement investigations
- Represented company in FINRA matter
- Represented individual in OCC enforcement action
- Represented company in investigation involving the DOJ, FDA and Customs
- Represented individuals and class members in complex securities litigation
- Conducted internal investigation involving allegations of theft of intellectual property and unfair competition
- Represented individual in insider trading and foreign corrupt practices investigation
- Represented company in employee and contractual dispute and related arbitration
- Represented family and estate in civil rights action
TEACHING
- Adjunct Professor, University of San Diego School of Law, Federal Criminal Law (2007 to present)
- Lecturer, various law enforcement and corporate governance seminars
PUBLICATIONS
- FamilyLawyerMagazine.com, Child Abduction Cases Under the Hague Convention, July 31, 2018
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia
J.D. · 1987
Harvard University
— · 1983
Recognition
Awards & honors
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Locations
Office locations
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Schedule your consultationFrequently asked
Common questions
What areas of law does John J. Rice practice?
John J. Rice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Where is John J. Rice located?
John J. Rice primarily serves clients in San Diego, California, with an office at 401 West A Street, Suite 2600.
Is John J. Rice a verified attorney?
John J. Rice's profile is listed but has not yet been claimed by the attorney. Verification status is pending.
How can I schedule a consultation with John J. Rice?
You can book a consultation through LawyersListed directly from this page. Initial outreach can also be made by phone at 619-236-1551.
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